Ilsur Metshin: "WorldSkills" is what our young people need"

(Kazan, KZN.RU, March 25, by Zilya Gayfi) The Kazan Universiade's success warrants the implementation of the most ambitious world-class projects, including hosting the world championship of professional skills «WorldSkillsCompetition» in 2019. This opinion was expressed by Acting President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov in City Hall, where Kazan's bid to host the championship was officially submitted.

Welcoming the guests, Rustam Minnikhanov noted that representing Russia at the international level was a great honor and responsibility for the republic. "At yesterday's reception in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of the world championship of professional skills and expressed interest in hosting such a big event in Russia. The success of the Universiade allows us to implement other ambitious projects. With great zeal and desire, we are becoming involved in this fight," said the acting president of the Republic of Tatarstan.

As part of the bidding, the first stone of the exhibition complex "Kazan Expo"was laid down in Tatarstan's Laishevo district today. If Kazan wins the bid, it will be the main venue of the championship. "Tatarstan is famous for its warmth and hospitality. We will do everything possible to host the best championship ever," promised the interim head of the republic.

Submitting the bid, Ilsur Metshin recalled that the capital of Tatarstan joined the «WorldSkills» global movement three years ago and has gained experience in hosting championships. "The media refers to Kazan as the City of Craftsmen. The «WorldSkills» championship is what our young people need. We are seeing a lively interest in the competition on the part of our youth, business community and the Government. Young people aged up to 30 make up more than 40% of Kazan's population; the city is home to more than 150 thousand students. We are aware of the demand for labor and plan to create a National Center for Human Resources. We aim to promote blue-collar skills and provide a good choice of careers for young people," said the mayor.

The mayor spoke about the significant achievements of the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in recent years in the areas of housing and transportation, educational and sports facility construction He also spoke about  positive trends in the labor market, tourism and small business. According to the head of the city government, Kazan is economically ready for the championship. The best possible conditions will be created for «WorldSkills» participants in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan: it has more than 150 hotels and hostels and is constantly working on improving the historical center and parks. "We will do our best to hold these important championships at the highest level," said Ilsur Metshin.

Simon Bartley, president of «WorldSkills International,» welcomed the start of bidding in Kazan. "I am impressed by the support which the leadership of the republic and the city gives to the bidding.  During today's inspection tour of the venues, I was amazed by the enthusiasm of the organizers," commented Simon Bartley.

Whether Kazan will win the bid to host "WorldSkills International-2019", the city will find out in August 2015, when a decisive vote to determine the winner will be taken in Sao Paulo. In order to win, the capital of Tatarstan will have to beat Belgium's Charleroi and France's Paris.